The Civil Wars music duo announce formal breakup

Chris Talbott AP Music Writer

Posted:
08/05/2014 09:57:42 AM MDT

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FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2012 file photo, John Paul White, right, and Joy Williams of The Civil Wars perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, in Austin, Texas. Williams and White issued a statement on their website Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014 announcing the decision to split, which comes nearly two years after the duo pulled out of a world tour over irreconcilable differences. The duo met on a songwriting project for a put-together country act and had instant chemistry as songwriters. Their self-titled first album went gold and they won four Grammy Awards (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The members of folk duo The Civil Wars have made it official: They're breaking up.

Joy Williams and John Paul White issued a statement on their website Tuesday morning announcing the decision, which comes nearly two years after the duo pulled out of a world tour over irreconcilable differences.

The duo met on a songwriting project and had instant chemistry as songwriters and performers. Championed by many fellow musicians like Taylor Swift, their first album went gold and they won four Grammy Awards before personal differences ended their partnership. They released a second album, but did not tour in support of it.

Each thanked fans in the statement and issued a free download of "You Are My Sunshine."